Kings Plains Creek, at the heart of this large park, offers still pools, rapids, waterfalls and peaceful walks among the area's rocky ridges. The rugged terrain and permanent water in pools along the creek encourages an abundance of wildlife.

This wild and little-known park, one of the few protected areas on the north-western tablelands, is important for both conservation and recreation. The main attraction is bushwalking�� - the walk along the creek to Kings Plains Falls is an enjoyable trip of about 2.5 hours return. However, be aware that the falls only flow after good rains. You can also stroll along the attractive creek banks.

Getting there: this park is near Inverell (48 km, 60 minutes) and Glen Innes (50 km, 60 minutes)

Kings Plains National Park is 48km from Inverell or 50km north west of Glen Innes, both via the Kings Plain Road. Either way the roads are unsealed for about 25km. Follow the signs from Glen Innes (off the Gwydir Highway west of town) or Inverell (Swanbrook Road in town).

The park has a good variety of wildlife. Eastern grey kangaroos, wallaroos, swamp wallabies, red-necked wallabies and koalas live in the park, and are more frequent near water and more fertile soils. The rare brush-tailed rock wallaby has been seen in the rugged gorge area of the park. Platypus occur along the creek, but some of their habitat above the falls is considered fragile so take care to preserve this environment.

The variety of birds in the area is due to the park's location on the edge of the Northern Tablelands. Here birds from humid temperate regions mix with birds from arid and semi-arid Australia. 82 bird species have been recorded in the area, including eastern and crimson rosellas, king parrots, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, currawongs, wattle birds, willy wagtails and many species of honeyeaters. There are also the endangered glossy black cockatoos, turquoise parrots and regent honeyeaters. In and around Kings Plains Creek straw-necked ibis, darters, black cormorants, white-faced herons and azure kingfishers are often seen. High above you might see predatory birds such as the wedge-tailed eagle and the rare peregrine falcon.